The African Democratic Congress in Kebbi, has expressed serious concern over the rising cases of thuggery in the state and called for an urgent action to tackle the menace.

The party disclosed this while addressing a press briefing shortly after its  stakeholders’ meeting held in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.

Speaking on behalf of the party, Ibrahim Mohammed-Mera, Chiroman Kabi, said the essence of the meeting was to discuss the prevailing insecurity and the emerging culture of political thuggery in the state.

Mr Mohammed-Mera recalled a recent scenario in Argungu where people gathered for a wedding Fatiha in a mosque but some thugs allegedly attacked them, lamenting that it was unbecoming for a political leader to support, encourage or finance such ugly trends.

According to him, the ADC, therefore, condemned the act in its totality and called for peace to reign in the state.

The party chieftain alleged that “Kebbi was no longer safe”, adding,” because recently a Nigerian soldier, who gave his life to protect the nation was killed in Sakaba.

“ADC notes with serious concern the alarming rise in insecurity within Kebbi and its adjoining communities. Cases of banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality have continued unabated, leaving the citizens traumatised, farmlands deserted, and economic activities in decline,” he explained. “This regrettable situation, if left unchecked, threatens the very fabric of our society and the pence that Kebbi has long been known for.”

The ADC stalwart  called on both the state and federal governments as well as the security agencies to take immediate, coordinated, and intelligence-driven actions to restore law and order.

“The safety and welfare of the people must remain paramount. The ADC stands firmly with the people of Kebbi in demanding a more visible and effective security response that goes beyond rhetoric and focuses on tangible results,” he said.

While described ADC as a “growing and expanding party that operates within the ambit democratic rules and regulations”.

Mr Mohammed-Mera observed that the resorts to intimidation, blackmail and physical aggression by some political actors was undermining the democratic norms and ethics which cast a dark shadow over the integrity of the nation’s political process.

He reaffirmed the commitment of ADC to constructive dialogue, preparatory democracy, and continued engagement with citizens to build a more secure and inclusive Kebbi.

The party chieftain appealed to other political parties to come and join hands with ADC to “dislodge the incumbent at both state and national levels” towards not only rekindling hope for Nigerians but also building a brighter future for Nigerians.

(NAN)